REVIEW: The Ruin Of A Rake by Cat Sebastian

My Review

The Ruin Of A Rake by Cat SebastianThe Turners #3LGBTQ+ Historical Romance

Living a life of sin, debauchery, and revelry has left Courtenay disowned from his family and treated like a monster by the ton. Normally this wouldn’t bother Courtenay except that his reputation is keeping him away from his beloved nephew Simon. Courtenay is ready for a different life style, but it’s hard to make people see the good in you when you’ve done so much to ruin your own reputation. Living in London was a way for Julian to improve his health and enhance his and his sister’s standing in polite society. However, Julian’s machinations have left him lonely and unsure what he really wants in life. He doens’t want to be attracted to Courtenay but he can’t help how the man makes him feel. He might be good for some entertainment but keeping it secret is key because image is everything to Julian.

I loved this one and read it pretty much in one sitting. I was nervous about Courtney’s character because I’m not a big Rake or Rogue fan but I ended up loving his newly found desire to live a better life. The writing was absolutely fantastic and just sucked me right into the story. There was all kinds of unexpected personality traits that keeps the reader on their toes.

“In the past Courtenay had generally preferred warm, affectionate sorts of people. Medlock was made of ice and thorns, venom and gunpowder.”

Courtney’s life had me desperate to give him a hug and make things better. He might have made his reputation but when he wanted to do better, he faced a lot of challenges. Julian was a perfectly stuffy, slightly pompous gentleman that acted as a great foil for Courtenay. The role reversals of Julian and Courtenay when they’re in the bedroom. I loved that they were opposite of what you’d expect from their outer personalities.

However, Eleanor and Standish’s relationship was a bit off putting only because I’m a very up front person. Their behavior fits the time period of historical romance very well, but it’s the type of behavior that generally keeps me away from reading historical. All things considered though, they are side characters.

4 out of 5 stars

Book Details

Rogue. Libertine. Rake. Lord Courtenay has been called many things and has never much cared. But after the publication of a salacious novel supposedly based on his exploits, he finds himself shunned from society. Unable to see his nephew, he is willing to do anything to improve his reputation, even if that means spending time with the most proper man in London.

Julian Medlock has spent years becoming the epitome of correct behavior. As far as he cares, if Courtenay finds himself in hot water, it’s his own fault for behaving so badly—and being so blasted irresistible. But when Julian’s sister asks him to rehabilitate Courtenay’s image, Julian is forced to spend time with the man he loathes—and lusts after—most.

As Courtenay begins to yearn for a love he fears he doesn’t deserve, Julian starts to understand how desire can drive a man to abandon all sense of propriety. But he has secrets he’s determined to keep, because if the truth came out, it would ruin everyone he loves. Together, they must decide what they’re willing to risk for love.